Course Overview





HNRS 389 and BIOL 399A
Global Change Biology


MWF, 12:10 - 1pm, In-person
SN 332


Professor: Dr. Campany
Byrd 215
**Office Hours: see syllabus*

Dr. C’s connection to Global Change Biology


Today’s Objective


Understand course goals
    Begin getting to know each other
       See if this class is a good fit for you
           Begin our story

Course Goals



  • Open to the story of biodiversity on our planet.
    • Contrast past and present patterns, evaluate how life responds to global change stressors, envision the path forward


  • Be a scientist ‘science-ing’ or a informed citizen ‘activist-ing’
    • Explore your interests, interpret other people’s studies, design your own studies, communicate your knowledge and wisdom


  • Explore your place in the story.
    • Open to different worldviews, relate course content to your own life, envision your path forward

What is this course about?


What is this course about?





Unit I: Setting the stage

Approaches in GCB (CH1)
Brief history of life on earth (CH2)
Rise of the Humans (CH3)
The Anthropocene (CH4)

What is this course about?





Unit II: Core Responses

Move (CH5)
Adjust (CH6)
Adapt (CH7)
Die (CH8)


Unit III: Complex Responses

Communities (CH9)
Ecosystems (CH10)

What is this course about?





Unit IV: New Horizons

Conservation in the era of global change (CH11)

Aligning the interests of biodiversity and humans society (CH12)

This class is way more than just CO2 and warming!!


Course Format



  • This is a synchronous and participatory mostly flipped in-person class


  • What does that actually mean?
    • Reading matters and is expected
    • Your presence is honored and valued
    • Your verbal participation is required
    • All opinions matter


  • Each week will work on a spectrum of learning from Monday → Friday
    • Lecture → Open-ended discussions

Grading: Lots of assessment opportunites




Participation: in lecture and section + snap assignments submitted for participation points


Courses chapter reflections: 3-2-1 reading assignments due Mondays by noon


Exams: approx. one per unit (4 chapters each)


Term Project: with lots of intermediate benchmarks

Term project (Lots of details next week)



  • GCB discovery grant proposal (5 pages) meant to inspire your own independent, creative direction.


  • Submission windows:
    • Project topic selection: week of February 15
    • Term project rough drafts: week of March 15
    • Term project peer reviews: week of April 5
    • Final term project: week of April 26


  • Start thinking about what sparks your interest!


  • Writing resources are available on Brightspace
    • Ask me for help!

Textbook and reading load





  • eBook should already be purchased through follet
    • details on syllabus


  • One chapter per week for lecture
    • starts week 3
    • read and reflect (graded) before lecture


  • Possible additional readings for open-discussions
    • these may be self-directed

3-2-1 reading assignments



  • Dive deep on everything you read in this class!
    • Track what excites you, bores you, and confuses you!


  • Beginning of chapter features - Pre-asses what you think you know
    • Blank Page & Learning Outcomes


  • Middle chapter features - Wednesday topics
    • Meet the Data & Take a Closer Look


  • End of chapter features - Organize your studying
    • Key Concepts and Consolidate your Knowledge

3-2-1 reading assignments





  • 3-2-1 reading assignments submitted before class on Brightspace (essence of a flipped class)
    • 3 take home messages from the chapter (in your own words)
    • 2 things you did not understand or would like more information on
    • 1way something in the chapter relates to your personal experience.


  • If you are not interesting in reading - quit now

Brightspace will be your go to for all course info



  • Announcements = updates, changes, important things in the news


  • Syllabus = refer to the syllabus, them email Dr. C


  • Grades = gradebook will be updated as fast as possible
    • always double check


  • Assignments = always submit through Brightspace


  • Reminders = turn notification on
    • due dates, content created, announcements, etc.

Brightspace course page

Next up: Why are we here?



  • Make a decision if this class is right for you
    • Are you willing to play along?


  • No book chapter reading this week!


  • For class on Wednesday: Write a few sentences about the concept “Why are we here”
    • think like a scientist, concerned citizen or just a human!
    • you may be asked to read it aloud!
    • Haiku will be greatly appreciated


  • Submit on Brightspace for participation